The 7 Stops of the Denver Modern Home Tour

By Vanessa De La Rosa

Photo: Courtesy of Ron Guillot

The Modern Home Tours visited the mile-high city Saturday, May 21, 2016, highlighting a handful of modern residential designs to over 800 eager Denverites. This was the Denver Modern Home Tour’s 6th annual run, and in the eyes of the Tour’s Vice President Ken Shallcross, it was a fantastic year.

“There were seven beautifully designed and diverse homes this year,” says Shallcross. “They were all really great and quite different from one another—ranging from brand new homes not even lived in yet, to a townhouse-style home with a modern interior, to a modern apartment building.”

Originating in Austin, Texas nine years ago, the Modern Home Tours were founded to introduce leading-edge modern architecture, home design, and overall modern living to people across the nation. The Denver and Houston tours were part of the Tour’s first expansion; both have been successfully running for six years now.

This was also the second year that the Denver Modern Home Tour worked in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver. The tour donates a portion of their profits to the charity, and Habitat staff participates in the tour by greeting tour-goers at the door and checking people in.

“We love being able to give to a local charity that is within the housing/architecture realm,” says Shallcross. The tour also serves as a resource for prospective homeowners and people interested in modern home design to connect with local architects, builders, and interior designers.

“Designers in this city are building incredible homes; they want to show them off, and the public wants to see it! The tour is like a seven-stop gallery of art—there are seven living, breathing pieces of work by these artists showcasing their talent,” says Shallcross, who also notes that the design professionals are also present at each home to provide the best insight about their overall design approach. “It’s truly a full day’s experience to walk through, appreciate the design, and ask questions about the process.”

Take a look at the seven stops that made this year’s Denver Modern Home Tour a day to remember.

STOP #1
3453 NAVAJO STREET

Photos: Andrea Shaffner of RealArchitecture

This modern house took advantage of a narrow vacant lot in one of Denver’s hottest neighborhoods. The residence was designed for homeowners who were looking for contemporary style to go with present-day comfort. Every detail was considered: Handmade copper-art siding, elevator, a glass-enclosed wine cellar, a golf simulator room, custom stainless spa on the roof, tilt-and-turn windows, radiant flooring, and whole-house integrated control from a phone. ARCHITECTURE: David L. Berton, AIA, RealArchitecture

STOP #2
4141 SHANGRI-LA DRIVE

Photos: Courtesy of Ron Guillot

This home—originally designed in 1968 by Charles Haertling, one of Colorado’s most talented architects—underwent a massive renovation in 2013, preserving the original integrity of the structure while enhancing the home with a handful of sophisticated modern features. Among the renovations were the addition of a master suite, a brand new cylindrical glass entry, and a small rooftop pavilion where the homeowners can enjoy views of the city and its mountain backdrop.ARCHITECTURE:Elemental Homes & RKD Architects

STOP #3
2050 RACE STREET

Photos: Ron Faliede, Tim Pickard

This modern home is new to the City Park West neighborhood, employing the latest in passive solar design techniques and displaying its innovative light, color, tactile surfaces, and natural materials.ARCHITECTURE: Tim Pickard,Monopole Design Architecture and Construction

STOP #4
3234 NAVAJO STREET

Photos: Brooks Freehill

This sun-inspired multi-unit, mixed-use development in Denver’s North Side neighborhood weaves natural sunlight throughout the design by way of skylights, while also using sunlight through its vertical solar panels to reduce the need for electricity. The building’s envelope system—inspired by patterns found in Middle Eastern art and comprised of 444 individual 6’x 6’ anodized aluminum screens—can be used by residents to regulate temperature and light.ARCHITECTURE:Tres Birds Workshop

STOP #5
1424 WEST 67TH AVENUE

Photo: Jonathan Biermann

This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath modern home has an attached 2-car garage and a small side courtyard. The house is located in Midtown, one of Denver’s newest communities—the largest development of new home the city has seen in over 40 years. The interior is designed with a mixture of mid-century modern and new modern furnishings.INTERIOR DESIGN: Neoteric Décor LLC

STOP #6
3308 HIGH STREET

Photos: Spotlight Home Tours, courtesy of Tymon Lodder​

Located in central Denver, this new home was designed to fit a long, narrow urban lot while still incorporating an open floor plan. Immense windows near the stairs and kitchen flood the space with natural light and an airy feel. The modern home’s design rose to the narrow-lot challenge; there is a sizable kitchen with an island and bar seating, a living room, three comfortable bedrooms upstairs, as well as a second-level master suite that capitalizes on its southwest view.ARCHITECTURE: Aaron Hodgin, Hodgin Architecture

STOP #7
1111 EUDORA STREET

Photos: Virtuance Real Estate Photography

This modern home minutes from Cherry Creek and Hilltop features an open main-floor layout with glass walls, immense natural light, custom walnut cabinetry, and barn doors. A unique staircase leads to a loft that overlooks the layout, as well as the surrounding landscape. The lower level features high ceilings, a second kitchen, and plenty of space for entertaining. ARCHITECTURE: Peter Pappas, Pappas Architecture and Design